Create Video Games Without Learning Computer Programming Languages

With millions of people playing online and console-based video games, it is about time the game makers introduced ways and means for the game player to introduce some of their own personality into them. Most of what is available today in the computer game arena offers limited missions, characters and actions the players are able to pursue. But that is about to change. Xbox's developers and the City of Heroes crew have heard your cries and have decided to do something about them.

According to my gaming expert, my son Chris, Microsoft Kodu is an interesting approach to introducing game development. Designed for the Xbox 360 or a personal computer, Kodu allows the player to develop an entire game using the Xbox's controller to select icons. The player-creator chooses objects, characters, gaming environment, actions the objects and characters will perform, a point system and a scoreboard to keep track of who is winning.

Kodu also includes premade characters and environments and even entire games for those who do not want to start building a new game from scratch. One part of the entire Kodu game building experience he did enjoy is you are able to share your created game with the Xbox Live online community for input or just to play with others. Although you can build a real workable video game with Kodu the limitations really only allow you creativity that is similar to the early first level Nintendo introductions. After all these years of Madden, and World of Warcraft, that is too far of a step backward. But if you want to get your feet wet and develop an understanding and knowledge of video game development it is a great start. At less than $20, it is not a bad investment.

City of Heroes was far more challenging for Chris. City of Heroes is an online role playing game that allows you, the player, to develop your own story line, characters, villains, and actions. Here, the player-creator can also write scripts and modify the program environment. Using drop down menus to select what you want and via dialogue boxes, typing in your changes and additions, you are able to customize a game of your liking. Chris got stuck in the creation phase of the game and had not transitioned to the game playing arena before I stated this writing. He was still creating his characters, their costuming, and their powers. I was curious to see how the characters fit within the overall game environment, but for that I guess I have to wait. City of Heroes is a subscription based online game.

Just as Web 2.0 user created content has created a new internet, an interactive environment where the player is in control will create a totally new video gaming world. I have a feeling player created video games and environments are the next step for the video gaming industry, allowing players to have more control. Enabling the players to develop content will encourage them to play more and take a new kind of interactive interest.